COPA DEL REY: LOOKMAN SCORES ON DEBUT AS ATLÉTICO BEAT REAL BETIS 5-0

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By: Sefiu Ajape

Atletico Madrid booked a place in the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey on Thursday after thrashing Real Betis 5-0, with new signing Ademola Lookman finding the net on his Rojiblanco debut.

Diego Simeone’s men join holders Barcelona, 2024 champions Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad in the last four of the competition.

A blistering first-half display in Seville put Atletico firmly in control, as goals from David Hancko, Giuliano Simeone and Lookman handed the visitors a commanding 3-0 lead before the break.

The 28-year-old Nigerian, who joined Atletico from Serie A side Atalanta on deadline day for a reported 40-million-euro ($47 million) fee, wasted no time in opening his scoring account for the club.

Lookman, the 2024 African Player of the Year, finished off a swift counter-attack in the 37th minute by dribbling past two defenders and squeezing a shot beyond goalkeeper Adrian.

Antoine Griezmann effectively sealed the quarter-final tie shortly after the hour mark, with Lookman again showcasing his devastating pace on the break to tee up the 2018 World Cup winner for a left-footed finish.

Thiago Almada added a late fifth goal to cap a dominant outing at La Cartuja by the third-placed La Liga side.

Elsewhere, Athletic Bilbao edged past struggling Valencia 2-1 on Wednesday thanks to a 96th-minute winner from Inaki Williams. Sadiq Umar had earlier scored at both ends for the hosts in the first half.

Real Sociedad also progressed after a dramatic 3-2 victory over neighbours Alaves, overturning a 2-1 deficit inside the final 15 minutes through goals from Goncalo Guedes and Orri Oskarsson.

Barcelona secured their semi-final berth on Tuesday with a nervy 2-1 win over second-tier Albacete, with Lamine Yamal and Ronald Araujo on target.